The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman

Nobody Owens: what a fantastic name. His creator infuses his character with all the promise the name holds. Bod, as a nickname, is equally clever. This book is my first experience with the writing of Neil Gaiman, though I have seen Coraline and found it enchanting. The story of Bod Owens, I believe, would also make for wonderful cinema if done properly. Though a bit dark, this riveting fairy tale is full of surprises. It begins in murder, and ends...well you just have to read it to believe it. I highly recommend this tale for readers both young and old. I gave it my highest Goodreads accolade: five out of five stars, and a review besides.

Book Rampage

I haven't been writing, knitting, crafting, or cooking as much as usual. This is due solely to what I like to call a "book rampage". I go on binges of reading more often than bulimics go on eating binges (yes I am aware that was insensitive). So currently I am reading several books at once. I have read three books in two days. I simply cannot stop reading; every free moment is consumed with books! Such different books too. A Holmes-esque mystery; a heart wrenching YA cancer suffering saga; a frightening graveyard wrought fairy tale. Elephants. Giants. I have...problems. So what this means, dedicated reader, if you're out there, is to be aware you will be seeing a few more than usual book reviews until the planets realign themselves in the cosmos of my fragile and delicately balanced psyche. I would apologize but I have this book here...needing to be read...

Book Review: Knit Two, by Kate Jacobs

The sequel to "The Friday Night Knitting Club" is lacking in the details which made the first book so special. "Knit Two" is a rehash of old problems in many ways. It lacks the character depth I enjoyed in the first book. It's as if the death of Georgia (the main protagonist in Book 1) took the hearts out of the other characters. Her daughter has become extremely spoiled; no longer a spunky girl, she is just a willful and disrespectful young lady. Additionally, the little knitting blurbs between chapters were extremely vague and lackluster. Overall, I gave this book two out of five stars. It just lacked the purls (knitting humor!) of greatness the first book possessed.

Book Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

One day, in the not too distant past, a group of students and I were discussing books and movies, and which is better in their opinion. Because several of my students in the discussion are Native American, we turned to movies such as "Smoke Signals", a modern tale about Native American life and experiences. One student said the movie reminded him of a book he does like, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian". He asked if I had read it, and I replied that I had not. The student brought the book to me the next day; he said he wasn't a big "reader" but he liked this book and wanted my opinion. I saw a name on the cover that I instantly recognized from my literature classes, and one I had not had a great connection to thus far: Sherman Alexie. I had always found his writing to be so negative, but, I took it home and later that evening, I cracked it open. I inhaled this book. It was at once poignant and hilarious; moving and thought-inspiring, yet not difficult to read. This is the story of a young man trying to better himself and become visible in the world, rather than being satisfied to live out the stereotypes of generations of his people. If you are a fan of Alexie's work, you'll love this book. If you are not, this book will change your mind. I have rated it with five out of five stars on my Goodreads list. Check it out!

Gettin Scrappy

Friday, there was no school for the girls and I, so me and the small one headed to my friend Cinnamon's house for a day of scrapbooking fun. Cinnamon is the scrapbooking queen: she has things I've never imagined to be used for all sorts of creative notions. She set up Madyson with her own little station and provided her with all the materials to make her Valentine's Day cards for her class. Which was very kind! Those things aren't cheap anymore, since you need several boxes to accommodate large class sizes. Madyson needed 34, and they turned out very cute, though I haven't taken a pic of them yet, and she needs to address them still. But Cinnamon is amazing! She asked what I wanted to make, and I of course always make cards. I know page layouts for albums are the ideal project for most scrapbookers but I like short term commitment for my scrappin. So I said cards; she said what kind? All kinds! I'm into vintage/collage/Victorian style, and anything reminiscent of the 20' and 30's . We made some awesome cards! Can't wait to see my wonderfully creative friend again and make some more magic.

Popcorn Kernels of Evil

So I was cruising food recipes on Pinterest the other day and one for Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn caught my eye. In a few short days, it's become a crack-like addiction at my house. And it's so easy! Just melt one stick of butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar in the microwave. Add 10-12 big marshmallows and nuke it again; stir and add 10-12 cups of popped popcorn. Especially delicious if your popcorn is buttery and salty. Amazing!

PS-Sorry about the pictures; I was trying to get my share before the others ate it all...

Mount Vesuvius of Broccoli Island

As promised, here is the delicious soup that goes in those bread bowls! Thanks to Emily, today's guest photographer and soup capture. Er. Thanks Emily!

 

 

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

¼ cup onion, diced small
3 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups milk (2% or to preference)
1 cup water
3 cups frozen or fresh broccoli (stems and florets)
2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve ¼ cup for garnish)
Salt
Pepper
Fresh ground nutmeg
Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Bread Bowls (optional)

Directions:

Melt butter in olive oil; when butter is completely incorporated with oil, add onions and a sprinkle of salt (about ¼ tsp) and sweat the onions until translucent. When onions are ready, add flour and mix with onion/butter mixture; cook the mixture (called a roux and pronounced “roo”) for about two minutes, until very lightly golden brown. When roux is ready, add heavy cream and stir until roux and cream are completely mixed together and smooth, without graininess. Then add milk and water; pepper to taste. Add broccoli, stir, and cover; simmer on medium to medium high heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When broccoli is tender, add cheddar cheese and stir until soup is thickened and creamy. Add freshly ground nutmeg; serve in bread bowls or other type of bowl, garnish with shredded cheddar and parsley if desired.

Makes 4-6 servings.

 Pictures!

Ingredients standing at ready

 

Melt butter in olive oil over medium heat.

 

Dice some onions. Do it better than I did, and use non-red onions. Haha.

 

Sprinkling the sauteeing onions with salt would have been a great picture. Did you know salt doesn't photograph well?

 

Making roux. Thanks French people!

 

Add heavy cream, then milk, and then water. That's the soup base.

 

Broccoli diving, a new sport

 

Stirring the pot

 

Look familiar?!

 

Oh. My. Gosh. CHEEESE!

 

Freshly ground nutmeg smells delicious

 

Remember those bread bowls? I lopped off this one's top and hollowed out its insides. Then filled it up with creamy cheesy soup. I like to dip the bread pieces in the soup while it's cooling. Also, I didn't have any parsley for garnish so I went with extra cheese. Heavenly!

 

The Mount Vesuvius of Broccoli Island. It's making me hungry right now.

 

Enjoy!